Title: Community Health Worker
State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III
Hiring Range: $42,000-$46,000
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: THREE RIVERS-RICHMOND CTY
Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 33 local health districts. Three Rivers Health District serves the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula region which includes the counties of: Richmond, Westmoreland, Northumberland, Lancaster, Essex, Middlesex, Mathews, Gloucester, King & Queen and King William.
This position's focus is community engagement with and service delivery to persons at high risk for poor maternal outcomes. The CHW position is responsible for providing opportunities to increase the likelihood of positive maternal outcomes through culturally competent education, outreach, and support to pregnant persons throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period, connecting them to necessary healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and advocating for their needs within the healthcare system.
The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.
Prior Applicants Need Not Apply
Minimum Qualifications
• Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health: Knowledge of the various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence individual and
community health, including disparities in access to resources and services.
• Knowledge of Mental/Behavioral Health: Familiarity with the impact of
mental and behavioral health on physical health outcomes, including an
understanding of common mental health issues and how they intersect with
physical health needs.
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles: Basic knowledge of public health
practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and social
service systems, including the roles of government agencies and community
organizations in addressing health needs.
• Community Experience: Experience working with priority or underserved
communities, with an understanding of relevant unique challenges and
resources.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse
populations, recognizing and respecting cultural norms, practices, and values
within the community.
• Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely
in both written and verbal formats using plain language that is accessible to
individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes the ability to adapt
communication styles to meet the needs of different communities served.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive
working relationships with colleagues, community members, and
stakeholders. Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to work
effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Technology Proficiency: Ability to operate a personal computer and use
internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, presentations and
research.
Additional Considerations
• Proficiency in a second language (especially relevant languages in the
community served) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with a
broader population.
• Previous experience in a public health or community-based agency
environment, with familiarity in coordinating services and supporting public
health initiatives.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, or the ability to obtain one
after hire.
•Previous experience in supporting or facilitating prenatal care initiatives to enhance maternal health services.
Knowledge of or involvement with doula support.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, or driving background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) organization, VDH honors the Commonwealth's veteran's hiring preference. VDH employees have a Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov
State agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by case-basis.
Contact Information
Name: Carolyn Gibson
Phone: Please e-mail inquiries
Email: carolyn.gibson@vdh.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.